Hey everyone,
Hoping some of you might have 5 mins to put some words down for a total rookie!

I'm wanting to buy a board for my partner after he had a crack at some surf overseas, very much a beginner but he's pretty sporty so picks things up quickly and loved being out on the waves. With Covid and iso going on I thought it would be a good time for him to pick it up and give surfing a try properly.

From what a can gather a second hand mini malibu might be a good option for him, I understand a soft board is the go-to for newbies but I think he'd outgrow it too quickly, so thought it might be good to give him a slight baptism of fire with a hard long board. He'll be surfing in South Aus if that makes a difference.

But yeah, keen for any advice re: what to look for for the board + fins, leg ropes, wetties, and just anything to do with getting started with surfing really! Even how to read surf forecasts and how to know when to get out there (without getting completely pummelled as a beginner). Surf recommendations for SA would be great too.

Thank you and hope you're all staying safe

Hi Morg
first up don't buy a new board.
2. plenty of places for Secondhand boards eBay ,gumtree ,board shops.
As for other surf equipment Your local board shop will sort you out.
Unless he has mates To give him info. Get on YouTube and spend a lot of time At the beach watch learn and ask.
just DONT buy a new board And DONT paddle out and get in the way of good surfers. Develop his skills First away from kids swimers and people that can surf until his skills have developed.
surfers can be very helpful or turn on you like a drunken mother in-law and kill your surf stoke.

Some modern soft boards surf very well. Don't write them off. Ocean and Earth Happy Hours are wicked. They also have pretty good resale value. Good luck finding one though.